Noel Blake LeCrone

Noel Blake “Blakie” Hart LeCrone, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Frisco, Texas.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 8, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Waco. The service is being recorded and will be available to watch soon after the service. 

Blakie was born on April 30, 1942, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Jack and Mary Wirt Hart and was raised in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Her family and friends enjoyed legendary small-town stories of Pauls Valley throughout her life.

One of the most formative influences in her life was her father, who was blinded in a hunting accident when she was six years old. His determination and resilience in rebuilding his life left a lasting impression on her and shaped the grace and optimism with which she approached her own life. She was also greatly influenced by her mother, whose quiet and steadfast strength served as the foundation of the family. Her mother’s love of travel inspired Blakie to explore the world, taking her to many places throughout her life, including two special favorites: Aspen, Colorado and the Cayman Islands.

After graduating from Pauls Valley High School, Blakie attended Mills College in Oakland, California for two years before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. She spoke fondly of her memories in California and the beauty of the Bay Area. After moving to Norman, she joined Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she made wonderful friends and was so happy when her younger sister, Jan, also joined Pi Phi. During her junior year, Harold “Hap” LeCrone first noticed her during a Phi Gamma Delta serenade at the Pi Phi house. Soon after this encounter, Hap asked her for a date, and later they married on July 25, 1964, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than six decades.

After graduation, she attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where she was one of only three women in her class. She and Hap welcomed their first son, Adam, in 1968 and shortly thereafter moved to Waco, Texas. In her early years in Waco, she practiced law before having their second son, Vance. Nine years later, her “caboose,” Noelle, was born.

In 1992, Blakie joined the faculty at the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University. Blakie flourished at Baylor, where she taught business law, employment law, and cyber law until her retirement in 2017. She was well-respected by her colleagues, loved by her students, and recognized with awards for her excellence in teaching.

Blakie loved a good party, especially entertaining family and friends in her home on Lake Waco. She was the consummate hostess, known for having her house brightly decorated for every holiday, fresh flowers, and always having a well-appointed table. She was known for her style, her laughter, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Blakie was a source of love and joy to all who knew her. She will be remembered for serenading the carpool with Broadway songs, listening to Elvis, tending to her blooming flower beds, cheering for OU and Baylor football, dancing at weddings, playing Mahjong (long before the trend), her Pi Phi alumni activities, and shopping a good sale. She also gave back to the community through her volunteer work with the Junior League of Waco and many years of driving for Meals on Wheels.

To her grandchildren, she was simply “Gigi.” They will remember her singing Blessed Assurance, bedtime prayers, her magical costume jewelry box, and her not-so-scary “wolf tooth.” Christmastime at Gigi’s house was always special, as this was her favorite holiday. While she loved her children deeply, there was no greater pride and joy for her than her grandchildren.

Her faith was central to her life. A devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Waco, she taught Vacation Bible School, attended Bible Study, and was active in the New Horizons Sunday School class. She believed deeply in the love of Christ, the importance of knowing the Bible, and the value of church fellowship.

One of the greatest challenges in her life was the sudden death of her beloved son, Vance. Although her family mourns her loss, they find happiness knowing that they are together again and that Vance was there to welcome her home.

Blakie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mary Wirt Hart; her brother, Dr. Frank Hart; and her son, Dr. Vance LeCrone.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Harold “Hap” LeCrone, Jr.; her children, Adam LeCrone and wife, Laura, Noelle LeCrone Fields and husband, Justin; her daughter-in-law, Amy LeCrone Mitchell; her sister, Jan Van Horn and husband Grayson; her sister-in-law, Susanne Hart; six cherished grandchildren, Caroline LeCrone Wieck, Jack LeCrone, Charlotte LeCrone, Adeline LeCrone, Thomas LeCrone, and Elizabeth “Libby” Fields; and many cherished nephews, niece, extended family members, and dear friends.

Honorary pallbearers are Adam LeCrone, Travis Van Horn, Gavin Van Horn, Derek Van Horn, Jack LeCrone, Thomas LeCrone, and Justin Fields.

A reception for friends and family will be held following the service, and details will be shared at that time.

In lieu of flowers, Blakie’s wish was that memorial contributions be made to the established Vance LeCrone Endowed Scholarship Fund at Baylor University. Memorial gifts may be made online at https://www.baylor.edu/give/inmemory/LeCrone or by check, payable to Baylor University and mailed to:

Baylor University

One Bear Place #97050

Waco, TX 76798-7050

Memo: LeCrone

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Noel on her “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.